The premiere of the opera "Venceslao" is co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland from funds of cultural promotion in partnership with All'improvviso Festival Gliwice, City of Gliwice, FUGA, Gliwice City Theatre, GAPR and MARCO.

Act I Venceslao, the King of Poland, and his two sons Casimiro and Alessandro, are celebrating the triumphant return of General Ernando and want to reward him. The General asks that his best friend, Alessandro, marry Erenice, a Polish princess. For a long time, Ernando pretended to be the princess’s lover to protect Alessandro from Casimiro’s revenge because the latter is also in love with Erenice. In fact, Casimiro is still convinced that Ernando is his rival and, in his jealousy, sends the General away.

But Casimiro has also been playing a double game to conceal his love of Erenice. He is engaged to Lucinda, Queen of Lithuania, although he has since abandoned her. Lucinda now travels to Poland disguised as a man, intending to win back her fiancé.

Act II Casimiro pretends not to recognise Lucinda. However, his confidant Gismondo feels pity and reminds Casimiro of his promise of marriage. Venceslao promises Lucinda, whom he does not recognise in her disguise, his unconditional loyalty and makes serious accusations against Casimiro.

Although Ernando is in fact in love with Erenice, he advises Alessandro and the princess to marry that very evening without seeking permission from King Venceslao beforehand. Casimiro tries his luck with Erenice, but she turns him away. In the process, however, he learns of her impending marriage.

Act III The despairing Lucinda challenges Casimiro to a duel. She is defeated by her fiancé. Lucinda now reveals her true identity to everyone and Venceslao promises her justice.

Casimiro kills his brother out of jealousy. When Ernando and Erenice tell Venceslao what has happened the monarch is horrified. Although Casimiro regrets what he has done and the despairing Lucinda begs him to be merciful, he sentences his son to death.

Act IV Lucinda and Casimiro put aside their differences.

Venceslao laments his fate since he is unable to reconcile his two roles of father and king.

Act V Lucinda, along with Ernando and Erenice, ask for Casimiro’s life to be spared, but for reasons of state King Venceslao cannot grant this request.

In the end, Venceslao abdicates and names Casimiro his successor. As monarch, he can now pardon himself. Casimiro marries Lucinda, and Ernando and Erenice also get together at last too.